The Scottish retail sector continued to grow into the third quarter of 2010 - and outperformed the rest of the country over the past year. Official government figures - released by Scotland's Chief Statistician - show that the volume of retail sales in Scotland grew 0.6 per cent during quarter three compared with the previous quarter, and by 2.9 per cent over the year. Over Britain as a whole, the volume of retail sales grew by 1.2 per cent during quarter three and 2.4 per cent over the year. The value of retail sales in Scotland grew by 1.1 per cent during quarter three compared with the previous quarter, and 4.2 per cent over the year. Across the UK, the value of retail sales grew by 1.2 per cent during quarter three and 3.1 per cent over the year. Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "These figures show that despite continuing financial pressures, consumer confidence is growing and people are continuing to support Scotland's retailers - which is making an important contribution to strengthening the recovery."The annual percentage rise in both the volume and value of retail sales was higher in Scotland than the rest of GB. This demonstrates that the Scottish Government's robust action to support businesses and strengthen growth is making a difference." Retailing is estimated to account for around five per cent of the Scottish economy. ends

The Scottish retail sector continued to grow into the third quarter of 2010 - and outperformed the rest of the country over the past year.

Official government figures - released by Scotland's Chief Statistician - show that the volume of retail sales in Scotland grew 0.6 per cent during quarter three compared with the previous quarter, and by 2.9 per cent over the year.

Over Britain as a whole, the volume of retail sales grew by 1.2 per cent during quarter three and 2.4 per cent over the year.

The value of retail sales in Scotland grew by 1.1 per cent during quarter three compared with the previous quarter, and 4.2 per cent over the year.

Across the UK, the value of retail sales grew by 1.2 per cent during quarter three and 3.1 per cent over the year.

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "These figures show that despite continuing financial pressures, consumer confidence is growing and people are continuing to support Scotland's retailers - which is making an important contribution to strengthening the recovery.

"The annual percentage rise in both the volume and value of retail sales was higher in Scotland than the rest of GB.

This demonstrates that the Scottish Government's robust action to support businesses and strengthen growth is making a difference."

Retailing is estimated to account for around five per cent of the Scottish economy.